Fellowship of Cosmic Fire
Commentary Semester I Section II
(TCF 35-45)
Version 1.3.1 Updated 19Mar05
(Most of the Tibetan’s text is put in font 16, to provide better legibility when projected during classes. Footnotes and references from other AAB Books and from other pages of TCF are put in font 14. Commentary appears in font 12. Underlining, Bolding and Highlighting by MDR)
[Page 35]
SECTION ONE. The Internal Fires - Fire by Friction
SECTION ONE
FIRE BY FRICTION
THE FIRE OF MATTER
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS
I. Fire in the Macrocosm
II. Fire in the Microcosm.
III. Fire in manifestation.
We purpose in these few introductory remarks to lay down the foundation for a 'Treatise on Cosmic Fire,' and to consider the subject of fire both macrocosmically and microcosmically, thus dealing with it from the standpoint of the solar system, and of a human being.
“Macrocosm” and “Microcosm” are relative terms. We see here, again, that for purposes of this discussion the Tibetan considers the solar system to be the macrocosm, and the individual human being the microcosm.
This will necessitate some preliminary technicalities which may seem at first perusal to be somewhat abstruse and complicated but which, when meditated upon and studied, may eventually prove illuminating and of an elucidating nature, and which also, when the mind has familiarised itself with some of the details, may come to be regarded as providing a logical hypothesis concerning the nature and origin of energy.
A principle is offered: familiarization leads to simplification.
Following the Tibetan’s advice, we must be patient with ourselves as we lay the ground-plan for future understanding.
There will be details which we must assimilate. This may seem tedious at first, but will later facilitate our grasp of the whole under the influence of Pure Reason.
Definition of Energy below:
Main Entry: en£er£gy
Pronunciation: ‚e-n„r-j‡
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural-gies
Etymology: Late Latin energia, from Greek energeia activity, from energos active, from en in + ergon work- more at work
Date: 1599
1 a : dynamic quality ²narrative energy³b : the capacity of acting or being active ²intellectual energy³
2 : vigorous exertion of power : effort ²investing time and energy³
3 : the capacity for doing work
4 : usable power (as heat or electricity); also : the resources for producing such power
synonyms see power
Points Developed in a Discussion on Energy: Our last discussions on truly abstract ideas:
The concept of “energy “suggests “activity” and “work”.
Energy is noticed through an increase of reduction of itself. The existence of energy is noticed only through change.
Force is applied energy.
Motion requires force.
Mulaprakriti is the original objective case of the Original Seer
In our psychological cosmos, there is no way to create anything except through perception. Acts of creation are acts of perception and imagination.
An infinite gulf separates the Zero from the One.
The “RAY” that arises in the NAMELESS is the Noumenon of Energy.
This is another way of saying that the “GREAT BREATH” is the Noumenon of Energy.
The GREAT BREATH is also the NOUMENON of Mutability.
The BOUNDLESS IMMUTABLE PRINCIPLE is the GREAT IMMUNTABILITY. Yet this BIP periodically seems to mutate.
We are surrounded by a ‘sea of energy’ which is of great intensity.
The NAMELESSNESS can be called the “INFINITE POTENTIAL”. IT is supremely REAL but not Actual
The GREAT BREATH always was. And the BOUNDLESS IMMUTABLE PRINCIPLE always was.
A Universe is an EXHALATION—a, EXHALATION is the Noumenon of Intra-cosmic Energy. An INHALATION is the retraction of Intra-cosmic Energy.
WHO is breathing the ETERNAL SUPER-COSMIC BREATH?
In the first two Fundamentals of the Secret Doctrine we have both an inescapable dualism and an inescapable monism.
The INFINITE BENESS is always breathing and always not breathing
Maybe SOMETHING is ‘DOING IT’—SOMETHING is BREATHING.
It must be the ONE AND ONLY the ‘BREATHES’.
REALITY is not rational in the usual sense of the word, for IT is SELF-contradictory.
Additionally, the word “rational” suggests “ratio”, which demands a relationship between two. As there are not two but only one, the ONE AND ONLY is not rational in the sense here described.
The word “rational” also suggests the root. In this sense REALITY is the “ROOT OF ALL THINGS”—ROOT—Ratio.
Because IT’S NATURE seems to be based on contradictory states, we can call the NAMELESSNESS ‘The GREAT SELF-CONTRADICTION’
The “GREAT BREATH” is the ESSENCE of Intra-Cosmic Energy. The First Intra-Cosmic Energy is the “One Flame”, which is ‘Pure Being—in Cosmos’..
Is the ‘RAY that flashes forth force or energy? If force is applied energy, to what is it applied in relation to the origin of a universe? If there is no object of application can the ‘RAY’ be called a force. F=ma But there is no “mass”, and there is nothing that can accelerate.
A General Statement: When energy radiates without direction it is called energy; when it has directional application it is called force. When we have an object which receives the energy, we can speak of force. (General Statement).
Ocean waves travel across the ocean but each molecule of water makes only a small circle.
I do not believe that Super-Cosmic dynamics contain spirals, as spirals suggest ascent or improvement. If any improvement or ascent exists from universe to universe, then every universe will be infinitely improved or ascended, which is an impossibility, as no thing (such as a universe) can be infinitely anything.
An infinite singularity is impossible, hence no spirals. Another way of saying this is that ‘an infinitudinous number one is an impossibility’. (Of course, from another perspective, there is no impossibility possible in the FOUNT OF ALL POSSIBILITY.
Master Morya discusses the Principle of Un-repeatability. This is to be applied to universes which are unique and unrepeatable.
If a universe is not infinite it has a measurable number of elements in it.
But even a universe with containing a finite number of factors can be unrepeatable, as the FOUNT OF ALL POSSIBILTY can flash forth as an infinitude of such finite universes.
The work of Georg Cantor—(The Theory of) Transfinite Numbers will have application to our thoughts on the INFINITE and the Finite Universe.
You cannot actualize the Infinity of Infinities.
Actuality will never ‘catch up with’ REALITY.
There is a Philosophical Infinite and the Numerical Infinite.
The definition of actuality in relation to the ONE AND ONLY is “whatever else there is besides IT”.
The number one is the ‘farthest from’ Infinitude.
In a way, numerosity (i.e., more or less that one) is closer to Infinitude than Singularity. At least, numerosity ‘moves in the direction of’ Infinity.
The occurring universe is only one possibility of an infinitude of possibilities.
An axiom that arises from this kind of thought is: Whatever happens is infinitely less than what could happen.
Thought of this nature leads to the Art of Living and is related to R4 and the buddhic plane. Our thought is principally on the third ray and, if carried far enough, dissolves into buddhic realization.
When you go ‘above’ consciousness you go beyond the consciousness of the mind.
DK asks us to drop the consciousness as the concrete mental interprets it.
Watch for conceptual infinitudes. Many conceptual infinitudes are possible in any closed system, but they can never be actualizable.
Connect 5 with first solar system/Mind; connect 7 with the present solar system which is Love; connect 9 with next solar system which is Will;
We have elsewhere, in an earlier book, touched somewhat upon this matter, but we desire to recapitulate and in so doing to enlarge, thus laying down a broad foundation upon which the subject matter can be built up, and providing a general outline which will serve to show the limits of our discussion.
The Tibetan offers an important teaching technique: recapitulation plus enlargement upon the themes recapitulated.
Let us, therefore, look at the subject macrocosmically and then trace the correspondence in the microcosm, or human being.
I. FIRE IN THE MACROCOSM
In its essential nature Fire is threefold, but when in manifestation it can be seen as a fivefold demonstration, and be defined as follows:
The first two fires (fire by friction and solar fire) are dual. This will account for the fivefold demonstration here discussed.
We note that the five-pointed star is composed of two dualities and one unity. The upper point of the star represents electric fire, the two middle points, solar fire; the two points which serve as ‘legs’ to the star—fire by friction.
[Page 38]
1. Fire by friction, or internal vitalising fire. These fires animate and vitalise the objective solar system. They are the sumtotal of logoic kundalini, when in full systemic activity.
The objective solar system is composed of matter of the three lowest subplanes of the systemic physical plane.
Because of the point of evolution of our Solar Logos, logoic kundalini is not yet in “full systemic activity”.
We are alerted to the very physical properties of some aspects of the kundalini fire. But some aspects of kundalini (we will discover) are etheric.
We depend upon fire by friction to produce what we normally call “physical vitality”. The vitalization of matter emanates from the etheric planes. Thus, we can be sure that fire by friction includes the fires of the etheric plane.
This fire is naturally connected with the third aspect of divinity.
IF immediately below we learn that solar fire is to be considered fire from the cosmic mental plane, perhaps we can judge that, essentially, fire-by-friction emanates from the cosmic physical plane.
2. Solar Fire, or cosmic mental fire. This is that portion of the cosmic mental plane which goes to the animation of the mental body of the Logos. This fire may be regarded as the sumtotal of the sparks of mind, the fires of the mental bodies and the animating principle of the evolving units of the human race in the three worlds.
Split cosmic mental fire into two—one of which is Solar Fire in the larger mental fire.
Solar Angels are just part of the “matter” of the Solar Logos’ causal vehicle.
Solar Angel is “Christ in you the hope of glory”.
The Tibetan is telling us that solar fire (though effectively felt on the cosmic astral plane and the seven systemic planes we call the cosmic physical plane) is, in its origin, “cosmic mental fire”. When we think about how often we attempt to align with and appropriate solar fire in our daily meditation, this is an amazing thought.
The “sparks of mind” are brought by the Solar Angels. The fire within the “sparks of mind” derives, essentially, from the cosmic mental plane.”
The Solar Angels are no strangers to the cosmic mental plane; many of them are breathed out from the “Heart of the Sun” and that “Heart” is found upon the highest levels of the cosmic mental plane.
The fire which animates the Solar Angels can be considered cosmic mental fire and in sharing a fragment of themselves with unselfconscious man, they are sharing with him fire which derives from the cosmic mental plane.
If this fire from the cosmic mental plane is to be considered the “animating principle” we must consider it as the fire which gives to animal man that which we normally call “soul”, which, at the very least is self-consciousness.
That which animates, the “anima” and soul must be considered, in some respects, equivalent.
Again, the solar Angels complete their initial sacrifice by a final one, and offer themselves upon the fiery altar. The causal body is completely destroyed. The four lower groups of solar Pitris return to the heart of the subjective sun, or to that inmost centre of the system from whence they came, whilst the three higher groups are carried (by the force and energy generated in the fiery furnace and blaze, and through the stimulation produced by the blazing forth of the central jewel) straight to the central spiritual sun, there to abide until another kalpa calls them forth to sacrifice Themselves, this time as planetary Logoi. (TCF 878)
In the section excerpted immediately above, we see that the “subjective sun” is equivalent to the “Heart of the Sun”.
The Buddha received a touch of the cosmic mental plane at his enlightenment—a staggering thought. This enlightenment occurred long after His fourth initiation, and so the Solar Angel could no longer have been involved.
A “spark of mind” is the link to the energy of Karma from Sirius; through that spark the karmic influence is imposed. Solar Angels wield the Law of Karma for the human being they have under supervision.
“Solar Fire” is the fire of love, but as we here see, it is also the fire of mind. Perhaps we can think of it as the ‘fire of loving mind’.
Solar fire has
an origin in the “Heart of the Sun” on the higher cosmic
mental plane.
“10.
The causal body of the Heavenly Men is upon the third subplane of
the cosmic mental plane, while that of the solar Logos and those of
the three Persons of the logoic Trinity are upon the first
subplane.” (TCF 532)
Although solar fire is active upon the higher levels of the systemic mental plane, we see that its origin must be considered as the cosmic mental plane.
The word “animation” is important for it is connected to the principle of soul (anima); we might consider “animation” as ‘vitalization due to soul influence’.
The “Logos” of which we are speaking is the “Solar Logos”.
When we consider solar fire in relation to the cosmic mental plane, it is the higher three subplanes of that cosmic plane which are, for practical purposes, to be seen as the source of this fire.
Just as the part of the human constitution focussing on the higher mental plane animates the concrete mental body of the human being, so it is with the Solar Logos. The energy from the higher aspects of His mental body animates the more concrete aspects of that mental body.
With respect to humanity, the “sparks of mind” originate with the Solar Angel, as that Angel is focussed in the causal body on the higher mental plane. The spark animates the lower mental body; in fact, the spark represents the ensouling of the concrete mental body (simply a vehicle expressive of instinct before ensouling) and, further, the ensouling of the entire human being in the three worlds.
What must be grasped is that the “sparks of mind” are essentially solar fire, even though they animate and operate in the realm of fire by friction. This is an important point.
3. Electric Fire, or the logoic Flame Divine. This flame is the distinguishing mark of our Logos, and it is that which differentiates Him from all other Logoi; it is His dominant characteristic, and the sign of His place in cosmic evolution.
Here we are dealing with a “fire” which is “flame”. We have been considering fire to be a derivative of flame.
Is the
‘Ultimate Cosmic Flame’ different from electric fire? We
have been saying it is.
Fire is the most
perfect and unadulterated reflection, in Heaven as on earth, of the
One Flame. (SD I 146)
In
this selection (point #3 above), it is suggested that we equate
electric fire with “the logoic Flame Divine”. In
the quotation from the SD, Flame is considered fundamental and
superior to any kind of fire.
Words, however, are not always used with exactitude. In this case, Flame is related to the monadic nature of our Logos. We probably cannot succeed in separating these words entirely. Just as the terms “sign” and “constellation” always seem to overlap in the Tibetan’s presentation of esoteric astrology, so we may expect something of the same for “fire” and “flame”.
Master DK seems to be saying that the seat of true identity (for any being) is in the monad.
At our stage of evolution we do not usually consider the monad as the major differentiator of identity, but in a way, the soul pattern is simply a reflection of the monadic pattern which contains that unique part of the great “Fixed Design” which the monad embodies.
It would seem that each Logos has a distinguishing “flame”—of a certain color, hue, intensity, and ‘song’ (for flames sing)—according to the nature of which “His place in cosmic evolution” can be determined. It would seem that this must also be true of a human being.
We are, perhaps, somewhat hampered by not knowing the monadic ray of our Solar Logos, whereas we are told that His soul and personality ray are both the second.
It must be remembered that the dominating ray, the outstanding influence in our solar system, is the great cosmic second Ray of Love-Wisdom, a dual ray,—that is, a ray combining two great cosmic principles and energies. It is the ray which governs the "personality" of our solar Logos, if such an expression may be used, and (because it is dual) it indicates both His personality and soul rays, which in Him are now so balanced and blended that, from the angle of humanity, they constitute the major ray, the one ray. This major ray determines both His quality and His purpose. (EP I 334)
There is speculation that that monadic ray may be the fourth since our Logos is a Logos of the “fourth order”, but it is not necessarily a foregone conclusion that the “order” number corresponds exactly to the ray number.
Our Logos is, however, a heart center within one of the “One(s) About Whom Naught May Be Said”, and the heart chakra is the fourth. The number four is, therefore, significant in His energy system.
Let us be alert to the thought that Love-Wisdom is a dual ray, and one or the other factor may apply to the personality and soul of the Solar Logos. In other words, the personality of the Solar Logos may have a love emphasis, and His soul a wisdom emphasis, or the other way round.
This threefold fire may be expressed in ray terms as follows:
First, we have the animating fires of the solar system, which are the fires of the primordial ray of active intelligent matter; these constitute the energy of Brahma, the third aspect of the Logos. Next are to be found the fires of the divine Ray of Love-Wisdom, the ray of intelligent love, which constitutes the energy of the Vishnu aspect, the second aspect logoic.
4
The term “primordial” is important; it suggests the age and foundational nature of this ray.
The third ray is often called the Ray of Active Intelligence. Here another and important name is given: the “ray of active intelligent matter”. The relation of the third ray to matter must always be remembered. It is also closely related to mind.
The term “divine” applies to the Ray of Love-Wisdom. It is the “divine ray of Love-Wisdom”.
These are the two words to remember: “primordial” and “divine”.
(4: "That whereinto all enter, vishanti, is Vishnu; he who covers up, envelopes, surrounds, undertakes all, is Brahma; he who sleeps, shete, in everything, is Shiva. Shiva sleeps, lies hidden, in all and everything as the nexus, the bond, and this is the nature of desire. Vrinite signifies the envelopment, the covering with an envelope, the demarcation of the limiting bounds or the periphery, and so the formation or creation (of all forms); and this is action presided over by Brahma. Vishanti sarvani indicates that all things enter into It and It into all, and such is the Self, connected with cognition and Vishnu. The summation or totality of these is Maha-Vishnu.)
In picturesque language, the qualities of the three “Persons” are vividly clear.
"Maha-Vishnu, 'the overlord of all this world-system, is described as the Ishvara, white-coloured, four-armed, adorned with the conch, the discus, the mace, the lotus, the forest-wreath, and the kanstubha-gem, shining, vestured in blue and yellow, endless and imperishable in form, attributeless, yet ensouling and underlying all attributes.
An entire unit of work lies in deciphering these symbols, which fortunately is presented clearly below.
Here, the epithet Ishvara indicates the rule; the four arms, the four activities of cognition, etc.; the white resplendence is the illumination of all things; the shankha, conch or shell, indicates all sound, and the chakra, wheel or discus, all time, there being a connexion between the two; gada, the (whirling) mace, is the spiral method of the procession of the world and the lotus-flower is the whole of that procession; the vana-mala, the wreath of forest flowers, indicates the stringing together of all things into unity and necessity; the nila-pit-ambara, blue and yellow vestures, are darkness and light; the kaustubha jewel indicates inseparable connexion with all; Nirguna, attributeless, shows the presence of the nature of Negation; while saguna, attributeful, implies possession of name and form. The World-process (as embodied in our world-system) is the result of the ideation of Maha-Vishnu."—Pranava-Vada, pp. 72-74, 94-95)
One has to profoundly respect the Tradition which produced such thought.
Probably in the Pranava-Vada (now available on the Makara Website due to the labors of Dr. Guy Pettitt) a similar description of Brahma and Vishnu is available.
Finally are to be found [Page 39] the fires of the cosmic mental plane, which are the fires of the cosmic ray of will. They might be described as the rays of intelligent will and are the manifestation of the first aspect logoic, the Mahadeva aspect.5
(5: Mahadeva is literally "great Deva." The term is frequently applied to the first Person of the manifested Trinity, to Shiva, the Destroyer aspect, the Creator.)
The highest fires come from the cosmic mental plane. This is an unusual thought.
This suggests that the “Divine Ray”, the Ray of Love-Wisdom, may be associated with the cosmic astral plane and that the Primordial Ray is associated with the cosmic physical plane.
Thus, the “three cosmic rays” are associated with the three lowest cosmic planes.
These are, for practical purposes, the Rays of the Holy Spirit (cosmically considered).
However, as mental planes have three divisions, the dual mental ray and the ray of will may all find their expression on the systemic mental plane and their origin on the cosmic mental plane.
The mode of division would be
4 subplanes (the fire of lower mind)
2 subplanes (the fire of higher mind)
1 subplane (the fires of the “cosmic ray of will”)
Therefore we have three cosmic rays manifesting:
These rays are to be considered “cosmic” because they are elevated above our physical solar system (even though they pertain to a being who manifests through a solar system (a Solar Logos)
The Ray of intelligent activity. This is a ray of a very demonstrable glory, and of a higher point of development than the other two, being the product of an earlier mahakalpa, or a previous solar system.6
A Mahakalpa is equivalent to both a Mahamanvantara and an Occult Century, or100 Years of Brahma
A question arose in discussion: Are all solar systems of equal duration for the same Solar Logos? If one system is a personality solar system followed by a soul solar system, and then a spirit system—then each succeeding solar system may be of lessening duration than the one before. Thus, does an occult century mean the same number of years? The duration of a solar system may be called an “occult century”, but does its actual duration differ from the duration of the incarnations of the same Solar Logos? These is no way we can answer this question at the present time.
This Ray is of a “demonstrable glory” because it has been so active—for at least one previous occult century.
It is the ‘Ray of Manifestation’ and the word “demonstrable” correlates with the word “manifested”.
Here DK speaks of the matter of time, which is related to history of our planetary and solar system.
We note that this Ray of Activity is called the “Ray of Intelligent Activity”. We remember that we are confining our consideration to the personality nature of a Solar Logos. Personality is ruled by the principle of intelligence.
On the following footnote and entire book could be written. In fact there are authors who have undertaken to do so.
Extensive Footnote: (6 "One day out of this long life of Brahma is called Kalpa; and a Kalpa is that portion of time which intervenes between one conjunction of all the planets on the horizon of Lanka, at the first point of Aries, and a subsequent similar conjunction.
As the Hindus use the Vedic system of astrology, it can be questioned whether any planets beyond Saturn are used in this calculation of a Kalpa. Present day Vedic astrologers do not take trans-Saturnian planets into consideration.
The note is saying, probably, that Saturn and all intra-Saturnian planets are found conjunct at the first degree of Aries (probably sidereal Aries) once every 4,320,000,000 years.
A Kalpa embraces the reign of fourteen Manus, and their sandhies (intervals); each Manu lying between two sandhies. Every Manu's rule contains seventy-one Maha Yugas,—each Maha Yuga consists of four Yugas, viz., Krita, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali; and the length of each of these four Yugas is respectively as the numbers, 4, 3, 2 and 1.
The 4, 3, 2, 1 suggest the Pythagorean Tetraktys, with its key to cosmic timing, to universal music as a constructive power and to cosmic geometry.
But why then, is the 1 not found in the series 4, 3, 2, 0?
Can it be that the 4, 3, 2 continue to cycle and re-cycle on ever higher turns of the spiral before resolving into the 1?
The number of sidereal years embraced in the foregoing different periods are as follows:
Mortal years
360 days of mortals make a year 1
Krita Yuga contains 1,728,000
Treta Yuga contains 1,296,000
Dwapara Yuga contains 864,000
Kali Yuga contains 432,000
The total of the said four Yugas constitute a
Maha Yuga 4,320,000
Seventy-one of such Maha Yugas
form the period of the reign of one Manu 306,720,000
The reign of 14 Manus embraces the duration
of 994 Maha Yugas, which is equal to 4,294,080,000
Add Sandhis, i.e., intervals between the reign of each
Manu, which amount to 6 Maha Yugas, equal to 25,920,000
The total of these reigns and interregnums of
14 Manus, is 1,000 Maha Yugas, which constitute
a Kalpa, i.e., one day of Brahma, equal to 4,320,000,000
Of what type of “Manu” are we speaking? The reigns of the types of Manus of rootraces, for instance, come nowhere near 306,720,000 years. The following bears much investigation, but we may be speaking of Manus who preside over an entire round.
360 x 1000 (Maha Yugas) = 360,000 x 2 = 720,000 Maha Yugas in one year of Brahma.
100 X 720,000, = 72, 000,000 Maha Yugas in an Occult Century.
As Brahma's night is of equal duration, one day
and night of Brahma will contain 8,640,000,000
360 of such days and nights make one year
of Brahma, equal to 3,110,400,000,000
100 of such years constitute the whole period
of Brahma's age, i.e., Maha Kalpa 311,040,000,000,000
A Maha Kalpa and a Mahamanvantara are equivalent terms = Occult Century
31,104,000 is the number of seconds in an Earth year. x100 = 3,110, 400,000 seconds in century.
5 zeros are missing from the foregoing figure when comparing it to the number of years in a occult century. Therefore, 3,110, 400,000 x 100,000 = 311, 040,000,000,000
In 100,000 centuries (or 10,000,000 years), there are the same number of seconds as there are years in an occult century.
That these figures are not fanciful, but are founded upon astronomical facts, has been demonstrated by Mr. Davis, in an essay in the Asiatic Researches; and this receives further corroboration from the geological investigations and calculations made by Dr. Hunt, formerly President of the Anthropological Society, and also in some respects from the researches made by Professor Huxley.
Great as the period of the Maha Kalpa seems to be, we are assured that thousands and thousands of millions of such Maha Kalpas have passed, and as many more are yet to come. (Vide Brahma-Vaivarta and Bhavishyre Puranas; and Linga Purana, ch. 171, verse 107, &c.) and this in plain language means that the Time past is infinite and the Time to come is equally infinite.
A sequential treatment of time is here given.
1,000 X 1,000, x 1,000,000 = 1,000,000,000,000 (a trillion). Simply, one thousand times one thousand times one million gives us a trillion, and the footnote suggests many, many more. Thus, when considering the number of years which have elapsed thus far in our total cosmos, we are dealing with at the very, very least a trillion occult centuries or 311,040,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (311 octillion, 40 septillion years). The number of Earth years which yet remain in the duration of our present universe is at least equal to this fire. The figure, of course, is much too small, because one trillion is ridiculously less that “thousands and thousands of millions”.
So, indeed, from the human perspective, time past is virtually infinite as is time to come. And all this in relation to a still finite Universe.
Note the implications of the following selection from TCF 1084:
“The one wheel turns. One turn alone is made, and every sphere, and suns of all degrees, follow its course. The night of time is lost in it, and kalpas measure less than seconds in the little day of man.
Ten million million kalpas pass, and twice ten million million Brahmic cycles and yet one hour of cosmic time is not completed.
Within the wheel, forming that wheel, are all the lesser wheels from the first to the tenth dimension. These in their cyclic turn hold in their spheres of force other and lesser wheels. Yet many suns compose the cosmic One.
Wheels within wheels, spheres within spheres. Each pursues his course and attracts or rejects his brother, and yet cannot escape from the encircling arms of the mother.
When the wheels of the fourth dimension, of which our sun is one and all that is of lesser force and higher number, such as the eighth and ninth degrees, turn upon themselves, devour each other, and turn and rend their mother, then will the cosmic wheel be ready for a faster revolution.” (TCF 1084)
Return to previous footnote:
The Universe is formed, dissolved, and reproduced, in an indeterminate succession (Bhagavata-gita, VIII, 19)."—The Theosophist, Vol. VII, p. 115.)
The concept of an “indeterminate” succession of universes means (really, an infinite, beginningless/endless succession) is here promoted—each universe being of ‘virtually infinite’ duration. May we say that ‘we’ have “plenty of time”?!
There is much discussion as to whether these huge figures are literal or symbolical, and arguments can be made on either side. If they are literal, how is it that the various periods are tied to the method of keeping time as practiced on earth? If they are symbolical, how can the ancient literature speak of a kalpa as astronomically determined (i.e., the time elapsing between successive conjunctions of all planets (presumably major planets within the orbit of Saturn) in the first degree of Aries.
It is questionable whether there exists computer software which can calculate whether or not such conjunctions even happen.
[Returning to the Ray of Intelligent Activity]. It embodies [Page 40] the basic vibration of this solar system, and is its great internal fire, animating and vitalising the whole, and penetrating from the centre to the periphery. It is the cause of rotary motion, and therefore of the spheroidal form of all that exists.
The third ray is basic. The “basic vibration” is called in music, the “fundamental”. The fundamental for our solar system is FA or the note F (whatever its minutely specific frequency).
It is the “great internal fire” of the solar system.
It is the cause of “rotary motion” which is basically repetitious
All forms of life are spheroidal, and the third ray is the cause of this sphericity. It is easy to understand how vorticular motion causes sphericity.
If Fohat is Brahma and the Third Ray and Fohat is also the “Fiery Whirlwind”, we can see that rotary motion is built into this whirling.
When the idea of the “periphery” is raised, it always relates to the third ray, just as the note from the Pranava-Vada (above) informed us. “He who covers up, envelopes, surrounds, undertakes all, is Brahma…”
Points Emerging in Group Discussion—in relation to the first and second Fundamentals of the Secret Doctrine.
There is a theory that there no karma from one universe to the next. Each universe offers a ‘fresh start’ uncomplicated by ‘residues’.
If this theory is correct, then there is at the close of every universe, universal redemption, and the complete fulfillment of the Grand Design/Purpose for that universe.
While we consider that there are no residues from one universe to the next, there are residues from one lesser intra-universal system to another.
The Ray of intelligent love.
Note again that the word intelligent is used when naming this ray, just as was the case with the “Ray of Intelligent Activity”. We are still within the personality nature of the Solar Logos, and this is His intelligence nature. It comprises the first 18 subplanes of the lowest three cosmic planes.
This is the ray which embodies the highest vibration of which our solar Logos or Deity is capable in this present solar system. It is not yet vibrating adequately nor has it yet attained the peak of its activity.
Should the “peak” (mountain) represent the fourth or fifth degree? Inference may lead to the fifth initiation, and, indeed, there are references which suggest that the Solar Logos is to take the fifth cosmic initiation in this system. If the word “activity” is emphasized, it will be the fourth initiation, because the causal body is the third or activity aspect and the causal body exists until the fourth initiation.
Our Logos Himself, the heart of His system, is on the cosmic astral plane; he is polarised there. Just as the units of the fourth Creative Hierarchy, the human, are evolving through the use of physical bodies, but are polarised at this time in their astral vehicles, so we have seen that the objective solar system forms the physical body of the Logos, though His polarity is in His astral body. It is significant that in this greater manvantara, the Logos is to take the fourth cosmic Initiation. (TCF 571)
See TCF 384 for the evolutionary status of a Solar Logos. He is to achieve the third and fourth cosmic initiations in this solar system. This tells us that, in a way, the fourth initiation of self-conscious entities is still partially under the ray of the soul, because for our Solar Logos, this solar system is a system for soul development.
The parallels can be found in the development of the Logos of the Earth which seems to parallel in its development the Solar Logos.
The comparison below is vital. The analogy between the Solar Logos’ progress and that of the Planetary Logos is to be developed
a. He is in physical incarnation.
b. He is midway through His career upon the cosmic Path of Initiation, and consequently is to take the fourth Initiation in this chain. Well may this globe, therefore, be considered the globe of sorrow and of pain, for through it our planetary Logos is undergoing that which the mystic calls "the Crucifixion."
c. The cells in His body—those cells through which He feels, and senses, and experiences,—are, in this world period, rent by pain and suffering, for His is the consciousness at the centre of the Body, and theirs is the capacity to suffer, so that by means of them He may learn the meaning of systemic dispassion, be dissociated from all forms and material substance, and upon the cross of matter eventually find liberation and the freedom of the Spirit.
The same equally can be predicated of a solar Logos with the following interesting sequence carefully borne in mind:
The solar Logos has for objective nine initiations, the third cosmic Initiation being His goal.
Our planetary Logos has for objective seven initiations, the second cosmic Initiation being His goal.
Man has for objective five initiations, the first cosmic Initiation being his goal.
It is the basis of the cyclic spiral movement of the body logoic, and just as the Law of Economy is the law governing the internal fires of the system so the cosmic Law of Attraction and Repulsion is the basic law of this divine Ray. (TCF 384)
Just as the PL is taking the fourth of seven initiations through our chain and globe, so the SL is taking the fourth of nine initiations through our scheme and chain.
The SL has the cosmic third initiation as His goal, and the PL has the second cosmic initiation as His goal.
The type of motion is here called “cyclic spiral” instead of “spiral cyclic”. Such movement is characterized by the fact that it both rotates and drives forward. Without this driving forward there is no spiral. If driving forward is equated to ascent, then the vertical dimension is included in spiral-cyclic motion..
If the “logoic body” is experiencing “cyclic spiral movement” it must, necessarily, be driving through space.
The Law of Economy governs both types of fire by friction.
The Ray of intelligent will.
We note that the word “intelligent” is again used, this time in relation to the Ray of Will, and for the same reasons as given above.
Little as yet can be said about this ray. It is the ray of cosmic mind and in its evolution parallels that of cosmic love, but as yet its vibration is slower and its development more retarded.
We note that this Ray is not a Ray of pure will. The mind nature (of all self-conscious entities) is a reflection of the will nature.
Perhaps in the next solar system that which we call will, will be more directly connected to the will aspect of divinity.
Thus, what we (in this solar system) consider to be the Ray of Will is really the Ray of Cosmic Mind. Does it perhaps come from the mental permanent atom of the Solar Logos (whatever its more ultimate source may be)? As mind is divided into three parts, the lowest planes of the cosmic mental plane plus the second and third subplanes may be considered relate to the Fires of Mind, and the highest plane as the conduit for the Fire of Will. This is an attempt to explain how the Ray of Intelligent Will may be “the ray of cosmic mind”.
And note the use of the word “Intelligent” linking to the mental plane (whether systemic or cosmic).
Is something holding back the development of this Ray of Intelligent Will development in relation to our solar system?
Is this retardation occurring only with respect to our Solar Logos?
Certainly in this solar system, the development of this Ray is retarded, because it is a second ray solar system. There is a reference for this, which presently cannot be found.
This is definitely and deliberately so, and is due to the underlying purpose and choice of the solar Logos, Who seeks on His high level (just as do His reflections, the sons of men) to achieve a more rounded out development, [Page 41] and He therefore concentrates on the development of cosmic love in this greater cycle.
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
A group member calculated the probability that so many fours would align (as is said to be the case in relation to our fourth planetary scheme which is said to be focussed on its fourth chain, which is experiencing its fourth round. Additionally, humanity, the fourth kingdom of nature finds itself on the fourth globe of the fourth chain (which is also receiving unusual attention). We should consider, as well, that humanity had not quite emerged from its fourth root race of which many vestiges can be detected.
The probability for the alignment of all these fours, is suggested to be 1/ 4,320,000,000.
The number four is, in many respects, the number of pain. The question was asked, “How do you develop the heart?” An answer was suggested: “Through pain!”
Inasmuch as the heart is the fourth center, it would seem that the alignment of so many fours is providing the pain through which the heart can be developed.
Our Solar Logos has made a deliberate choice to retard the incoming of will.
It is clear that the Solar Logos is concentrating on the development of His soul nature, just as human beings to before racing ahead into the development of spirit/will.
The “greater cycle” here referenced is one occult century, 100 years of Brahma.
There is a parallel in the lives of human beings who also seek a more rounded out development before
This ray is governed by the Law of Synthesis, and is the basis of the systemic movement which may be best described as that of driving forward through space, or forward progression. Little can be predicated anent this ray and its expression. It controls the movements of the entire ring-pass-not in connection with its cosmic centre.7
The motion of the first ray confers the least repetition of relationship. It is constant repositioning in space. Even in human terms, the first ray is willing to change relationship most often without remaining attached.
The type of movement suggested here equates to a rapid change of relationship with respect to other factors in space.
What is the “cosmic center” of our Solar Logos? May it be the star Sirius?
The cosmic center could also relate to the star Vega in the constellation Lyra, towards which our solar system is said to be moving.
Or is our solar system driving toward Hercules?
Or are both destinations true?
The activities of this ray seem to affect the solar system as a whole. Does this mean that the motion of driving forward through space is retarded (by choice) with respect to our Solar Logos?
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
Maximum amount of relational change occurs with this type of movement—forward progression or “progress onward”.
The “cosmic center” here quoted is not the Alcyone or the Pleiades, around which our solar system (and probably certain contiguous solar systems) are said to revolve. The type of method/motion here discussed is direct onward movement, a direct approach to a certain cosmic center.
The cosmic center of our Solar Logos is unknown.
Our Sun, however, is said to be moving in the direction of the star Vega in the constellation Lyra. Interestingly, Vega has an axis similar to that of our Sun. The constellation Lyra suggests an association with the fourth ray because it is much associated with music, art and beauty. Our Solar Logos is a logos of the fourth order and represents the fourth (or heart) chakra. So there are associations which reasonably connect our Sun with Vega in Lyra.
If we look for analogies in the chakra system of man, we can think of the energy of a chakra is moving directly towards another chakra. This would be forward motion, progress onward and a “driving forward through space”. Such energy transfers in chakra dynamics are different from rotary motion which chakras are said to possess.
(Note 7: The term "ring-pass-not" is used in occult literature to denote the periphery of the sphere of influence of any central life force, and is applied equally to all atoms, from the atom of matter as dealt with by the physicist or chemist through the human and planetary atoms up to the great atom of a solar system. The ring-pass-not of the average human being is the spheroidal form of his mental body which extends considerably beyond the physical and enables him to function on the lower levels of the mental plane.”)
When considering the concept of the “ring-pass-not”, it must be admitted that the influence of the “central life force” for a relatively advanced being extends far beyond what is usually considered a ring-pass-not.
As stated elsewhere, the ring-pass-not presents a barrier only for the unevolved.
A Master’s tangible aura does not extend around the world, but certainly His consciousness can be transferred thousands of miles away from His physical location.
The ring-pass-not seems to relate to the matter gathered to comprise the immediate instrument or vehicle of any entity. The positive nucleus would then impress or extend its influence into such gathered matter is a more immediate way.
The tabulation on page 42 may make the above ideas somewhat clearer.
[Page 42]
TABULATION I.
Fire Ray Aspect Expression Law Quality
1. Internal Primordial Intelligent Rotary motion Economy Fire Activity. by friction
2. Of Mind Love [Divine] Intelligent Spiral Cyclic Attraction Solar Fire.
Love.
3. Divine/FlameWill Intelligent Forward Synthesis Electric Fire Will .
.
Here the type of motion of the second Ray is called “Spiral Cyclic”.
Again we note the use of the term “Flame” in relation to Electric Fire.
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
A human being can (psychologically) ‘rotate on his own axis’ and ‘be in his own whirl’—thus emphasizing individuality
Revolution emphasizes relationship
There is also the setting off on a pilgrimage; The monad is the Pilgrim—going towards the attractive point. This is progress onwards
If you want to change centers—the center around which you revolve—you need to go forth using forward progressive motion, thus driving forwards. This type of change requires a combination of the first and second types of motion. The first type of motion changes the center of orientation; the second type establishes a repetitive and perhaps spirally progressive type of relationship with the new center.
When a relationship continues exactly as it has been, it indicates that rotary motion is prevailing. Often, for instance, people say “I’m stuck in this relationship. I want to change relationship, make a break”. From a condition or rotary motion there is a demand for new configuration. The motion of “driving forward through space” changes the relationship relatively quickly; spiral cyclic motion can change the relationship slowly, progressively and cyclically over time.
Progressive rotary motion is spiral cyclic motion. A combination of the motions of the first and third rays, yields the motion of the second ray.
These three expressions of the divine Life may be regarded as expressing the triple mode of manifestation. First, the objective or tangible universe; second, the subjective worlds or form; and thirdly, the spiritual aspect which is to be found at the heart of all.8
The three Rays are the “three expressions of divine Life”.
“Form” is essentially subjective.
(8 1. The Primordial is the Ray and the direct emanation of the Sacred Four. S. D, I, 115, 116.
The Sacred Four are:
Unity
a. Father Mahadeva 1st Logos Will...Spirit.
Duality
b. Son Vishnu 2nd Logos Love-Wisdom.
Trinity
c. Mother Brahma 3rd Logos Intelligent activity.
Sacred Four
d. The united manifestation of the three—Macrocosm.)
Some systems of understanding differentiate “Mother” from “Holy Spirit”. Sometimes Brahma is considered as related to the Holy Spirit and sometimes to the Mother.
It probably makes sense of differentiate Holy Spirit from Mother, just as active fire is differentiated from latent fire
2. The manifested Quaternary and the seven Builders proceed from the Mother.—S. D., I, 402.
a. The seven Builders are the Manasaputras, the Mind-born sons of Brahma, the third aspect. S. D., III, 540.
It is significant that the “sons” are “Mind-born”. This suggests the method of generation relevant to higher beings.
Being “Mind-born” suggest the process of emanation, or ‘Self-reflection’ or ‘Self-reduplication’.
Is it because the manifest through planets, that they are considered related to the third aspect? The Path of training for Planetary Logoi is definitely related to the third ray.
b. They come into manifestation to develop the second aspect. S. D., I., 108.
These “Manasaputras” are the related to the, “Seven Planetary Logoi”, the “Seven Spirits before the Throne”, the “Seven Heavenly Men”, and the “Seven Rays”.
They are also “Dragons of Wisdom”. They are developing love. They have group consciousness and have developed manas—thus, They are “Manasaputras”.
c. Their method is objectivity.
Creating a planet is an act of objectification.
3. The re-awakened Energies sprang into space.
a. They are the veiled synthesis S. D., I, 362
b. They are the totality of manifestation S. D., I, 470
c. They are pre-cosmic S. D., I, 152, 470)
Is DK still discussing the planets? If so, this footnote offers enigmatic statements.
The internal fires that animate and vitalise shew themselves in a twofold manner:
The following is a description only of “Internal Fires” related only to the Primordial Ray. It is not related to the Divine Ray (the second) or Ray of Intelligent Will (the first).
[Page 43]
1) First as latent heat. This is the basis of rotary motion and the cause of the spheroidal coherent manifestation of all existence, from the logoic atom, the solar ring-pass-not, down to the minutest atom of the chemist or physicist.
“Latent heat” is particularly the basis of “rotary motion”
Fire-by-friction as a whole is related to rotary motion, but in this description is the lower part of fire-by-friction which is particularly causative of rotary motion.
2) Second, as active heat. This results in the activity and the driving forward of material evolution. On the highest plane the combination of these three factors (active heat, latent heat and the primordial substance which they animate) is known as the 'sea of fire,' of which akasha is the first differentiation of pregenetic matter (the matter upon which the sea of fire is based).
|
Logic Plane |
Sea of Fire |
Adi |
|
Monadic Plane |
Akasha |
Anupadaka (Parentless)--Paranirvanic |
|
Atmic Plane |
Aether |
Nirvanic |
In this entire discussion, it is important to determine whether cosmic mulaprakriti and systemic mulaprakriti are identical. The question can also be put this way: “Is the pregenetic matter found on the first subplane of the solar system completely homogeneous or only relatively so? It is assumed that Universal Mulaprakriti is completely homogeneous and therefore completely undifferentiated.
We note the importance (with respect to active heat) of “the driving forward of material evolution”. This “driving” suggests that active heat has a generic first ray association, for all driving actions belong intrinsically to the first ray (though the sixth ray participates in the process in a special way).
We note that there is a distinction between the “sea of fire” arising through the union of active heat, latent heat and primordial substance, and primordial substance itself. Primordial substance (systemic mulaprakriti) cannot alone be called the “sea of fire”.
When He speaks of “primordial substance” is there a relation to “akasha”, called “akasha” in the discussion of the three internal fires of the Sun, and “productive substance” when discussing the three internal fires, of the Earth, and “bodily warmth” in relation to the human being? (This question relates to sections of the book yet to be covered, so we will have to return to this question.)
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
Another name for “pregenetic matter” is “mulaprakriti”. Mulaprakriti may be considered the ‘Universal Logos as Object.’ The Universal Spirit is the ‘Universal Logos as Subject’.
Is there such a thing as ‘relative mulaprakriti’—different gradation of it, or is any compromising of the absolute density of Mulaprakriti a negation of the mulaprakritic state?
That which we call Space and Mulaprakriti are the same. That is to say, Space and Mulaprakriti are equivalent to the one and only ‘Homogeneous Object’ demonstrating no possible division.
If a monad has a vehicle it will know its limited self (will know limitation). If the monad has no vehicle, it will only be itself.
The following charts contain references which we must refer in the ensuing discussion.
Aether (not ether) is the ‘pyramidal summation’ of the lower four elements.
Akasha, Alaya are Universal Soul. The creative element in the akasha is sound.
Who is the Divine Singer? Vishnu (the Second Logos, transmitting the second ray) may be associated with the akasha on the monadic plane. Then, in a sense, the monad can be considered the singer. The monad (though symbolically Shiva in one respect) is also Vishnu, and creates through sound.
When speaking of the “sea of fire” we are referencing the cosmic physical plane and its first subplane, the first systemic plane—i.e., the logoic plane.
The “sea of fire” is produced from pregenetic matter—consisting of:
active heat,
latent heat and
primordial substance which they animate
Note the triple constitution of the “sea of fire”. (cf. EA 35)
We must differentiate between the “sea of fire” and “primordial substance”. Primordial substance is differentiated by Fohat into substance/matter of all types.
If the “sea of fire “cannot exist unless two fires (internal and radiatory) act upon “primordial substance”, can we say that “akasha” cannot exist unless the same two fires act upon the substance resident upon the second plane? This is a subtle point and is basically an attempt to differentiate between fire, per se, and matter.
The second systemic plane is characterized by the first differentiation of “primordial substance” or “pregenetic matter”. It is, not, per se, the first differentiation of the “sea of fire”. This first differentiation is called “akasha”.
If “active heat” is involved in the “driving forward of material evolution”, the first ray is involved.
Active heat is etheric fire (radiatory fire) and, in the physical system of any atom (microscopic or macrocosmic), is the dynamic factor—rajasic. Latent heat is more passive and must be acted upon by active heat. Then its response can be powerful.
Akasha, in manifestation, expresses itself as Fohat, or divine Energy, and Fohat on the different planes is known as aether, air, fire, water, electricity, ether, prana and similar terms.9,10,11
Akasha “in manifestation” is a fire.
Fohat is a third aspect Entity, associated with Brahma and Holy Spirit.
Fohat is “cosmic electricity plus intelligence”. Servant of Cosmic Ideation.
Fohat is called “divine Energy”. It is the energy which produces manifestation.
Fohat is connected with five, because its action begins on the Brahmic plane immediately ‘below’ the plane of Akasha.
Fohat is related especially to expression.
Akasha precedes Fohat.
All this seems to be saying that should the monad (on the ‘plane of akasha’) wish to express, it must do so through Fohat.
Fohat is related to the first solar system.
The following are numbers associated with the three solar systems:
The number associated with Solar System 1 is 5;
The number associated with Solar System 2 is 7;
The number associated with Solar System 3 is 9
5 + 7 + 9 = 21 plus the wholeness = 22.
The cosmologist Stephen Pugh has said, with respect to our solar system, 2 + 2 = 4 (the number he theorizes for the monadic ray of the Solar Logos).
2 + 2 also = 22, a master number of completion.
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
Just as the Solar Logos’ causal body is located on the first subplane of the cosmic mental plane and the causal body of the PL is on the third, so it can be expected that their relative focus on the systemic monadic plane will be differentiated.
Fohat is the Great “Actor”
The “Army of the Voice” is closely related to Fohat. In a way, Fohat ‘follows orders’ given by the “Voice” (which is the “Word” or ‘Vishnu the Singer’. There are associations in this thought to the “Army of Maitreya”
When you speak a word, the little elementals aggregate—follow the pattern of your word.
Fohat brings things into being through action.
Systemic Fohat begins with the action of Aether (the substance/energy of the third systemic plane).
A question arose re the nature of the “Sea of Fire” and Akasha. For the Solar Logos, the first form (on the cosmic physical) occurs on the monadic plane (the plane of Akasha)
Particles in the Sea of Fire are not as bound, not bound to each other; Vulcan (one of the planetary rulers of the Sea of Fire) has broken the chains binding fundamental particles to each other. Vulcan both makes chains and shatters them.
The concept of Vishnu is related the Akasha, Jupiter, Sound, Pattern, Archetype, Ideation and Monad—all these ideas are to be together under the influence of pure reason.
The first systemic plane is ‘above’ form as we consider form in relation to the cosmic physical plane..
The combination of Vulcan plus Jupiter impresses the archetype.
Jupiter represents the timbre of the voice (its identifying vibratory pattern); Vulcan is the power of the voice.
May we say that the Sun is veiling Vulcan in relation to the Sea of Fire?
In the Akasha, divine geometrical patterns based on sound appear. Vishnu is the singer. There is a close relation between sound, song and the pattern of identity—but not the essence of identity.
The patterns of the akashic plane (which are monadic patterns) are held in place by sound. Vishnu is singer and the seer and related to plane two. Sound and light occur together. Vishnu sustains the universe with His Song the universe. Vishnu utilizes the Akasha.
It can be asked: is the monad a ‘singer’?
One who knows the physiology of the voice said that when one sings, the circulation of energy passes through the heart. In speech this does not happen.
Sounding and intoning can be considered equivalent. One can sing on one tone, and it is still singing. Melodic singing introduces the factor of variety which is needed for the making of distinct patterns.
Different ways of viewing Fohat were suggested:
Fohat as the Creator of Matter
Fohat as the Arranger.
Fohat as the ‘Uniter’ (equivalent to Eros).
Fohat as the Director.
(9 Akasha. Definition S. D., II, 538
It is the synthesis of ether S. D., I, 353, 354
It is the essence of ether S. D., I, 366
It is primordial ether S. D., I, 585
These three statements suggest that the meaning of “ether” here given is not the usual. For instance, the first cosmic etheric is the “sea of fire”, which occurring on the first or logoic plane, should be the “synthesis of ether”—not akasha.
If Akasha is all these things, what is HPB’s definition of “ether” in this context?
Perhaps “Akasha” is being given a broader and higher meaning than the substance/energy of the second or monadic subplane.
At this point could she be equating the term “ether” with “Aether” which begins on the third subplane of the cosmic physical plane? Since Akasha is ‘higher’ than the Aether of the atmic plane, it could be called, in relation to atmic Aether, the synthesis, the essence and primordial. Otherwise to call Akasha these things (and confine its meaning to the substance energy of the second cosmic subplane) does not make sense.
It is the third Logos in manifestation S. D., I, 377)
We must ponder, “In what way is Akasha the “third Logos in manifestation”. Only a very broad definition of Akasha would make this possible. If the Third Logos had differentiated primordial matter into the matter of all the forty-nine subplanes of the systemic plane, then that matter would be generically be called “Akasha” IF Akasha is the “third Logos in manifestation”.
“Aether” can be symbolized as a pyramid inscribed in a sphere.
“Ether” (as given in the three statements immediately above) may mean “Aether” plus the lower four planes (four elements)!
Remember that the four highest planes are called “etheric” planes. But they are cosmic ethers (buddhic, atmic, monadic, logoic).
There are also super-cosmic etheric planes (cosmic buddhic, cosmic atmic, cosmic monadic, cosmic logoic)
A group of factors to be related are Vulcan, atomic matter, higher vibration, and fourth initiation.
The highest of the cosmic subplanes is the ‘home’ of the least differentiated matter in the solar system. Vulcan relates to the Sea of Fire.
(10 H. P. B., defines the Akasha in the following terms: S. D., II, 538. "Akasha the astral Light can be defined in a few words:
In this case the term “astral light” may not relate only to the astral plane. It may be a higher kind of astral light.
It is the Universal soul, the Matrix of the Universe, the Mysterium Magicum from which all that exists is born by separation or differentiation. In the various occult books it is called by different terms and it would be of value perhaps if we enumerate some of them here: There is one universal element with its differentiations.
In this case Akasha seems to be related to the “Sea of Fire”. The “Sea of Fire” is the maximally undifferentiated substance possible in our solar system, (but, let us remember, not pure primordial matter or pure pregenetic matter).
The list tabulated below includes as categories the Sea of Fire and not only Akasha. It will be clear that much that is listed below is about first subplane substance/energy—the Sea of Fire. As well “primordial substance” finds its way into the tabulation.
“Aether” is to be taken as a higher level of “ether”.
There is potential confusion in the mixture of terms below. One must proceed carefully to keep the necessary distinctions.
|
Homogeneous (mostly descriptions of the Sea of Fire, first subplane. One Universal Element) |
Differentiated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Akasha can mean matter of all kinds on the cosmic physical plane. So Akasha is a general term and is not confined to the second subplane of the cosmic physical plane, though it may mean that second subplane substance/energy most often.
The reader must beware of these confusing changes of terminology. Setting upon a set of definitions which is valid most of the time and achieve mental stability. Then be alert to alterations of terminology in varying contexts.
Sound is the property of akasha.
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
Akasha is the Ocean of Sound.
Akasha is the “Sonoriferous Ether” from one of the Upanishads
Akasha is the medium where all the vibrations we have created are stored. Everything the monad has ever done is stored in the higher Akasha (and temporarily in lower vibratory strata).
Through the right use of the Sacred Word we will restored to the Akasha—the right use will bring us HOME.
It is the sumtotal [Page 44] of that which is active, animated, or vitalized, and of all that concerns itself with the adaptation of the form to the needs of the inner flame of life.)
From this perspective, Akasha is everything except the essence of Life—Pure Being.
Thus, in a way, Akasha is all that is devic.
Akasha, thus, from this widened definition, is ‘pattern in motion’.
(11 Fohat is divine thought or energy (Shakti) as manifested on any plane of the cosmos. It is the interplay between Spirit and matter.
Fohat applies to all planes. Here are applications to the cosmic physical plane.
Parashakti
Kriyashakti
Jnana shakti—Force of Mind.
Mantrikashakti
Ichchashakti
Kundalinishakti
It is energic interplay, or vital link.
In China, it is called the “wind”.
For HPB it is the “Fiery Whirlwind”
Note the statement that Fohat is active on any plane of the cosmos. This must include the cosmic and super-cosmic planes. Who knows where it ends? In some manner, it must be an aspect of the Universal Logos (related to the Universal Third Principle).
Note that Fohat is the “interplay between Spirit and Matter”. This relates it to the second aspect of divinity, and to the letter “U” in the AUM.
There is a section in Initiation: Human and Solar in which the U and the M seem to have interchangeable functions and the mind is considered the mediator. This would fit with the more usual meaning of Fohat as related to the Divine Mind.
The seven differentiations of Fohat are:
1. The Plane of divine life Adi Sea of fire. (This is Akasha in a more general sense. Akasha can also represent all substance-energy of the cosmic physical plane.)
2. The Plane of monadic life Anupadaka (Parent-less) Akasha.
(Not born out of duality)
(Virgin Birth—Parthenogenesis)
3. The Plane of Spirit Atma Aether.
4. The Plane of the intuition Buddhi Air.
5. The Plane of mind Mental Fire.
6. The Plane of desire Astral Astral Light.
7. The Plane of density Physical Ether.
—S. D. I, 105, 134, 135, 136.)
Fohat represents dynamic power on all planes. It is everywhere to be found—ubiquitous and in constant motion as is the third ray.
Fohat seems most related to the third aspect of divinity, and especially to the first aspect of that third aspect. Yet, Fohat is also “Eros” and thus related to the second aspect.
We must remember that all the major aspects of divinity have three sub-aspects.
“…Brahma is the sumtotal of Fohat”
Is Fohat equal to “energy in motion”? We remember the statement, “Energy is in motion and circulates”.
The motion of Fohat is akin to “rotary motion”, for it is Fohat that “digs holes in space”.
It was suggested, in a meaningful jest, that where the ABSOLUTE comes from is not ‘ap-parent’. This means that the ABSOLUTE is “Parentless”.
When Fohat is said to produce "Seven Laya Centres," it means that for formative or creative purposes, the GREAT LAW (Theists may call it God) stops, or rather modifies its perpetual motion on seven invisible points within the area of the manifested Universe. "The great Breath digs through Space seven holes into Laya to cause them to circumgyrate during Manvantara" (Occult Catechism). (SD I 147)
Fohat is “cosmic electricity plus intelligence”. It is the ‘Servant of Cosmic Ideation’.
Fohat is connected with five, because its action begins on the Brahmic plane, one plane under the “Akasha”
“Fohat, is analogous to what the Christian regards as the spirit; it is the will-to-exist, the determining life principle of God, Who, we can predicate, is the sum total of all forms, and of all states of consciousness; it is divine Purpose, actively functioning.”(SAIM 99)
“Fohat. Cosmic electricity; primordial light; the ever-present electrical energy; the universal propelling vital forces the ceaseless destructive and formative power; the synthesis of the many forms of electrical phenomena.” (IHS 218)
Fohat is the “Fiery whirlwind”—HPB names it thus.
Is Fohat—anything that drives something somewhere. Can it be likened to the Chi?
Points Emerging in Group Discussion:
Is Fohat the personality aspect of a great Cosmic Logos. Agni, we are told, is the personality of the Solar Logos.
Fohat is like the movement from NOTHING to Something, and from Something to NOTHING.
If we study the idea of “digging holes in space”, we find that it makes room for something new.
A metaphysical speculations were abounding, it was suggested that maybe the universe is a ‘black hole in INFINITY’.
Fohat, called in consequence, the "Messenger of their will" -- the fiery whirlwind. (SD I 108)
Akasha precedes Fohat.
Fohat is the energy which utilizes the Akasha, if Akasha is considered all substance/energy of the cosmic physical plane.
Akasha relates to the second plane. Its expression is “Fohat”
“Aether” is that differentiation associated with the atmic plane.
A definition for the term “Fohat” is “divine Energy”.
It might here be useful to point out that magnetism is the effect of the divine ray in manifestation in the same sense that electricity is the manifested effect of the primordial ray of active intelligence. It would be well to ponder on this for it holds hid a mystery.
Fohat is related to primordial ray and cosmic electricity
An important pondering:
|
Ray |
Manifestation |
|
Divine Ray |
Magnetism |
|
Primordial Ray of Active Intelligence |
Electricity |
The relationship between electricity and magnetism must be pondered. A magnetic field induces electricity (electrical current).
The fires of the mental plane also demonstrate in a twofold manner:
1) First, as the Fire of Mind, the basis of all expression and in one peculiar occult sense the sumtotal of existence. It provides the relation between the life and the form, between spirit and matter, and is the basis of consciousness itself.
This fire is Solar Fire and is related to Higher Mind. Soul and Solar Fire are intimately related.
We can understand that the Fire of Mind is a great linking fire.
As well, it is form-building fire, related to the Second Logos and to the Second Outpouring.
The Fire of Mind, as here discussed, is considered in relation to solar fire and to the higher mental plane.
The mental permanent atom (not the mental unit) relates to this higher Fire of Mind.
Thus Fohat (relating intimately to the third ray) must also be related to the Fire of Mind. But Fohat, per se, is a vital, electrical Cosmic Being.
Mind arranges and organizes matter into form (thus serving the Second Logos). The throat center is the basis of expression. The throat center is formulator of patterns in matter. The Fire of Mind is related to the throat center (among other centers). The third ray throat center serves the second ray realization of pattern (through the ajna and heart centers).
Just as the soul is ‘behind’ all expression in the three worlds, so the “Fire of Mind” (which is solar fire) is ‘behind’ all expression macrocosmically.
Expression relates to that which is ‘pressed out’ into manifestation. This is the work of Brahma, Fohat, and the Third Logos.
It is interesting when dealing with the Fire of Mind to notice its relations to both the Second and Third Logoi. In this regard, we remember that solar fire is a fire of love (second aspect), but also a fire of the cosmic mental (third aspect) plane.
2) Second, as the Elementals of Fire, or the sumtotal of the active expression of thought, showing itself through the medium of those entities who, in their very essence, are fire itself.
The Elementals of Fire are built into thoughtforms.
The mental unit is related to this group.
We notice the word “active” in “active expression of thought”. This relates these Elementals of Fire to the third ray, the Ray of Activity.
When discussing this lower aspect of the fires of the mental plane, we are focussing on the four lower subplanes—the planes of concrete mind.
This group of Elementals of Fire are a correspondence on lower mental plane to the elementals of latent heat on/in the dense physical plane.
Active radiatory heat/latent heat = Fire of Mind/Elementals of Fire
These dualities of expression make the four necessary factors in the logoic quaternary,12
We are speaking of the 21 lower subplanes of the cosmic physical plane (which include both types of mental fire and both types of physical heat). The Logos concerned is the Solar Logos.
The 21 lower subplanes are numbered as follows: 3 dense physical, 4 systemic etheric, 7 astral, 4 lower mental, 3 higher mental. Five divisions indicate the Brahmic factor of the Solar Logos. With the elimination of the astral body (7) you have 14. We notice that we are not (in the context of this discussion) speaking of the fires of the astral plane.
The esoteric developmental process demands (eventually) the elimination of the astral body.
Let us differentiate between higher mind (subplanes two and three--Venus) and abstract mind (subplane one—Mercury,):
Esoterically the Cosmic Will does not belong on the cosmic mental plane, yet, in relation to our present solar system (the second, by one method of counting) Cosmic Will is there to be found.
or the lower nature of the Logos viewing His manifestation from one esoteric angle;
Presumably this “esoteric angle” deals with the Solar Logos as He overcomes the cosmic astral plane (and does not count cosmic kama, or cosmic kama-manas as principles). Usually a lower quaternary includes kama or kama manas, but as here presented, it does not.
exoterically, they are the sumtotal of the logoic quaternary, plus the logoic fifth principle, cosmic mind.
Earlier, DK related cosmic mind to the will; thus the two plus two are related to a one which represents the will factor.
Maybe the exoteric consideration of the logoic quaternary, does include cosmic kama or cosmic kama manas, and then separates the energies of the logoic higher mind into a superior category.
(12: The quaternary is composed of the four lower principles and the sheaths through which they manifest as a coherent unit, being held together during manifestation by the life force of the indwelling entity.) (i.e., the soul)
We note that the logoic quaternary is said to consist of both “principles” and “sheaths”. They are often differentiated as ‘faculty’ and the ‘vehicular means of expressing this faculty’.
Still retaining the “esoteric angle”, these four plus one are the ‘Logoic Pentagram’. The one relates to the Fire of Intelligent Will.
Remember we are dealing with the logoic quaternary, not the human quaternary or the planetary logoic quaternary.
A lower quaternary would normally consist of the physical vehicle, the etheric plus prana, the kamic body (astral body) and the lower mental body.
In this case, the kamic vehicle is not discussed, and the higher fire of mind is included.
We seem that the term “quaternary” represents different types of fourfoldness depending upon the angle of vision and the entity involved.
Planets related to the logoic quaternary could be considered as Venus, Mars, Earth and Pluto. Note three non-sacred planets and one sacred. Venus (with its sixth ray monad), associated with the logoic solar plexus and kama manas); Mars associated with the logoic sacral center and kama; Earth with the spleen and the logoic etheric body (though later with the logoic base of the spine); and Pluto with the base of the spine (and like the Moon) with the physical body.
There are other assignments such as Sun, Pluto, Mars, Earth, Moon (relating to the personality and its four vehicles in descending order). All of these are non-sacred ‘planets’, and have a special connection to the lower principles and vehicles of man.
These types of assignments are speculative and the attempt to get them ‘right’ can stimulate the intuition.
The divine spark does not as yet manifest (as do the other two fires) as a duality, though what lies hidden in a later cycle, evolution alone will disclose.
|
First SS |
Second SS |
Third SS |
|
Number 5—Five is the number of Brahma (from Atma down) |
Number 7—Number of Vishnu |
Number 9—Number of Shiva (inference) (The 9 is the number or the third ray) |
|
Brahma |
Vishnu |
Shiva |
|
Triangle |
Five-pointed Star |
Seven-pointed Star |
|
Lower fires split, Mental fires unitary, Highest fires recessed |
Lower fires split, Mental fires split, Highest fire unitary |
Lower fires split, Mental fires split, Spirit fires split plus… |
Is the “divine spark” monadic fire, or the fire of the first ray? It would seem so.
During the third (and impending) solar system, we can expect the divine spark to manifest as a duality.
Later developments during this solar system may be part of the preparation for the next system, and show a greater manifestation of the divine spark.
Question: Does the divine spark come from the cosmic mental plane? What is the origin of the monads?
Does the monad come from the Central Spiritual Sun, through the Heart of the Sun? If the monad is that which has its home within the Sun (IHS 196), from what aspect of the Sun does the monad come? It is obvious the monad does not come from the physical Sun. The Central Spiritual Sun is a much better candidate and is, interestingly, mentioned in terms of the origin of the Solar Angels.
Are the “sparks of mind” different from the “divine sparks”? The term “sparks of mind” is used in relation to the fragment of itself which the Solar Angels “put down” into animal man at the moment of individualization. The term “divine sparks” has a distinctly monadic relation. Let us not forget, however, that Solar Angels have or, better, are monads too.
May it be, then, that the “sparks of mind” are related to the presence of the Solar Angels in man whereas the “divine sparks” are related to monadic fire?
Could the human monad come from the “Heart of the Sun” or from the “Central Spiritual Sun”? The Central Spiritual Sun considered as the spirit or monadic aspect of the Solar Logos will have its ‘home’ upon the cosmic monadic plane.
Of course the true origin of the monad is much higher. Essentially is a ‘ray of the RAY of the ABSOLUTE’ which flashed forth at the beginning of the subjective Universe.
The “Hub of the Wheel” is the CSS—Central Spiritual Sun, likened to Libra, which rules peace.
A question arose: “Will there be a seventh solar system?” Numerological necessity might seem to demand one, as there is usually a seventh phase in most occult processes. Would the seventh solar system somehow be a synthesis of the foregoing six?
This third fire, along with the other two, make the necessary five of logoic evolutionary development and by its perfected merging with the other two fires as the evolutionary process proceeds is seen the goal of logoic attainment for this greater cycle or period of this solar system. (i.e. the Maha-Kalpa, and “Occult Century”)
The perfect merging of the four with the fifth should be mastership—in this case, solar logoic mastership. But from other references, it is doubtful that the Solar Logos intends to take His fifth initiation in this solar system. The fourth seems to be the limit.
Five is the number of Brahma. But five is also the number of the second ray, indicating the duration of its cycle.
“The cycles of the second ray are dynamic and recur in a regular rhythm at this time and during the twenty-five thousand years of a zodiacal cycle in sequences of five hundred years.” (EP I 349)
This is a second ray solar system, and the merging of the five completes it.
Interestingly, the fourth initiation may be attained by our solar logos. (TCF 590)
“Then, in a dual synthesis, they will pass on into the third system, that in which the Power aspect is developed, and the head centres will be complete. This achieved, our Logos has triumphed, and measured up to the sixth cosmic Initiation, just as He should measure up in this system to the fourth.” (TCF 590) (also add TCF 384, re the initiatory goal of the Solar Logos)
If we carefully study the certain words in the section above, we shall realize that the word “take” and “measure up” are not necessarily the same.
This five is related to the human third initiation with its symbol of the five-pointed star. (The divine spark is consciously active at the third degree)
But also, a human being who becomes a Master, is also symbolized by the five-pointed star.
It is the vehicle which is sacrificed, as the consciousness identifies with something greater.
If we think microcosmically, we shall realize that a man may “measure up” to a certain initiation without “taking” that initiation.
[Page 45]
When the primordial ray of intelligent activity, the divine ray of intelligent love, and the third cosmic ray of intelligent will meet, blend, merge, and blaze forth, the Logos will take His fifth initiation, thus completing one of His cycles.
An important point: does DK mean the fifth minor initiation which eventually will be followed by the third cosmic and finally the fourth cosmic in this system? Or does He mean the fifth greater initiation, which is a cosmic initiation, and is not the fifth in a the present series of nine in which He is now engaged.
If the fifth initiation is a greater cosmic initiation, it would seem likely that it would occur in the third solar system. This is what the reference on TCF 590 seems to be saying. However a few sections earlier we were told—
“This third fire, along with the other two, make the necessary five of logoic evolutionary development and by its perfected merging with the other two fires as the evolutionary process proceeds is seen the goal of logoic attainment for this greater cycle or period of this solar system.” [Underlining and bolding, MDR]
So the matter must remain unresolved in our minds.
Could DK possibly be suggesting that the fifth initiation can happen at the end of this solar system? It is unlikely, but there are hints to this effect.
Points Emerging in Group Discussion: Speculations anent the grades of initiations to be taken by the Solar Logos in the three solar systems.
First SS probationary initiate, initiations 1 and 2 (the Initiator is the cosmic correspondence to the Christ);
Second SS, initiations of the soul, 3, 4, 5 (the Initiator is the cosmic correspondence to Sanat Kumara).
Third SS initiations of the spirit/monad—at least initiation 6. (The Initiator is the cosmic correspondence of the Silent Watcher).
If there is a seventh initiation (would it be in the third solar system or one subsequent) the Initiator would be the cosmic correspondence of the Planetary Logos).
It seems almost certain that there will be at least six solar systems and maybe seven through which our Solar Logos has taken, is taking or will take incarnation. Yet, from a certain perspective, it may be possible to count these six or seven as three.
The 5th Mahamanvantara (or solar system) The solar Logos achieves His fifth major Initiation. (TCF 605)
Rather, it is likely that our Logos will achieve His Great Renunciation (cosmically) in this solar system.
For man the elements are the issue; for a Planetary Logos, it is the planes; for a Solar Logos, the issue is the nine stages of consciousness. [This in reference to the process of initiation.]
A class discussion ensued concerning the three Great Beings who each manifest through three planets. The three planets concerning the Third Ray Being is given.
“Saturn, Mars and our Earth constitute, in a curious esoteric manner, the personality of a stupendous ray Life, Whose energy is that of the third Ray.” (EP II 98-99) Uranus, Jupiter and Venus are similarly allied in order to manifest or express a great Life. (EP II 99)
Shiva = Neptune (mental—the “God of Reasoning”), Vulcan (astral—relating to the heart of the sun [EA 393], Pluto (physical—the god of the underworld) (Shiva holds the Trident, Neptune.)
Vishnu = Uranus (mental), Venus (astral), Jupiter (physical)
Brahma = Saturn (mental), Mars (astral), Earth (physical)—this assignment of vehicles is confirmed.
The assignments of planetary vehicles for Shiva and Vishnu, however, are not necessarily correct, though they can be supported by reason.
The fifth initiation always completes a natural unit of work. Man takes his fifth initiation in the third cycle of his development.
From individualization until the first initiation
From the first initiation to the third
From the third initiation to the fifth
This is also true for the Solar Logos. He probably takes the fifth initiation in His third incarnation—by some accounts, His sixth incarnation. (cf. TCF 605)
“The 5th Mahamanvantara (or solar system) The solar Logos achieves His fifth major Initiation.”
Here there seems to be no doubt about it; we are told that we are in the “5th Mahamanvantara (or solar system)” and that in this great cycle the Solar Logos is to achieve “His fifth major initiation” (implying as TCF 384 suggests, that there are minor initiations).
If planetary schemes to a Solar Logos are like chains to a Planetary Logos, then the initiation of certain planets corresponds to various initiations (probably minor) of a Solar Logos, just as initiations on certain chains (for a Planetary Logos) correspond to His minor initiations.
This fifth Mahamanvantara is, nevertheless, from a certain and much emphasized perspective, also the second.
In any case, we are left with apparently contradictory references. The number four and two are certainly related, as twice two is four and both are on the Love-Wisdom line. That our Solar Logos should take His fourth major initiation in this second solar system is numerologically sound. However, the numbers two and five are also closely related (as the soul placed upon the fifth plane demonstrates), and so it is also reasonable that at the end of the Mahamanvantara, the Solar Logos may take His fifth major initiation.
I suggest we wait and see!
When the rotary, the forward, and the spiral cyclic movements are working in perfect synthesis then the desired vibration will have been reached. When the three Laws of Economy, of Attraction, and of Synthesis work with perfect adjustment to each other, then nature will perfectly display the needed functioning, and the correct adaptation of the material form to the indwelling spirit, of matter to life, and of consciousness to its vehicle.
The Solar Logos becomes an “Adept” at this point, and “correct adaptation” is the result.
Perhaps the consummation here discussed will make of our Solar Logos a Cosmic Chohan of the sixth cosmic initiation.
If so, the consummation definitely relates to the third solar system.
We, as spiritual aspirants are symbolically in our second solar system, and, primarily cultivating soul.